CelebratingCelebratingThe Central ArroyoThe Central Arroyo
Stream Restoration ProgramStream Restoration Program
Improving the health of a stream and ensuringImproving the health of a stream and ensuring
the future and sustainability of Pasadenathe future and sustainability of Pasadena
The The
Arroyo SecoArroyo Seco
� Major tributary of the Los
Angeles River
� Linking downtown LA to
the San Gabriel Mountainsthe San Gabriel Mountains
� Home of JPL and the Rose
Bowl
� Corps Feasibility Study
The Historic Arroyo SecoThe Historic Arroyo Seco
Two different views of the Colorado Street Bridge
The Most Celebrated Canyon in The Most Celebrated Canyon in
Southern CaliforniaSouthern California
“This arroyo would make one of the greatest parks in the world”
- Theodore Roosevelt, 1911
Current Status of the Arroyo SecoCurrent Status of the Arroyo Seco
�Though long celebrated as one of the most beautiful
streams in Southern California, the Arroyo Seco has not
escaped wide-spread damage caused by human impact
Damage Damage CausedCaused by by
Urbanization / ChannelizationUrbanization / Channelization
* destruction of habitat and wildlife
* reduced infiltration
* impaired water quality
The Central ArroyoThe Central Arroyo
Project AccomplishmentsProject Accomplishments
Improved water quality
Enhanced trail network
Implemented runoff BMPs
Restored aquatic habitat
Reintroduced the native Arroyo ChubReintroduced the native Arroyo Chub
Provided a model of stream restoration for urban
Southern California
Improved Aquatic HabitatImproved Aquatic Habitat
☼ Created backwater pools and structures
to provide resting, foraging, and spawning
areas for fish.
☼ Stabilized stream banks
☼ Improvements were constructed with natural materials (native trees and arroyo stone).
☼ Under direction of CDFG, reintroduced 300 arroyo chub to the central Arroyo Seco.
Backwater pool and
woody debris
Weir Wing Deflector
Improved VegetationImproved Vegetation
• Removed over 60 non-native trees.
• Replanted over 200 native trees and shrubs.
Non-native vegetation removed from west side of the Arroyo Volunteer planting event
Trail and Bank StabilizationTrail and Bank Stabilization
• Stabilized over 1000 feet of bank and trail.
• Installed signage at the trail head to the south area and in Parking Lot I.
Trail Stabilization
Alignment Improvement
Improved Parking Lot IImproved Parking Lot I
• Installed 10 stormwater cleansing basins constructed of planted areas and porous parking spaces to remove 50 pounds of oil & grease annuallyannually
• Existing sycamore and oak trees were incorporated into the planter island design, enhanced by additional native plants.
Planter Island – Post Construction
Porous Parking and Planter Island Installation
City of Pasadena Contributions City of Pasadena Contributions
The City of Pasadena’s in-kind contributions include:
– Installation of 500 catch basin inserts through out the city.
– Parking Lot I sealing and striping.
Storm Drain Insert Parking lot sealing around planter islands
Environmental StewardshipEnvironmental Stewardship
Reintroduction of 300 arroyo chub
volunteers removed trash, removed non-native plants,
planted over 30 native trees
Extensive public outreach, education and participation
Design Build ApproachDesign Build Approach
• Sponsored by a nonprofit (ASF)• With and for a city (Pasadena)• Funded by the state (CA)• Designed and built by private corporation (CDM)
20 month
window
Opens New DoorsOpens New Doors
The Central Arroyo Stream Restoration Project:
• fulfills a key part of the restoration master plan, and
• establishes a context for greater funding and project
opportunities in the Arroyo and LA River watershed
For more information: www.arroyoseco.orgFor more information: www.arroyoseco.org
� Tim Brick, Managing Director, ASF, [email protected] (626) 584-9902
� Wendy Katagi, Senior Project Manager, CDM, [email protected] (213) 457-2132
� Rosa Laveaga, City of Pasadena. [email protected] (626) 744-4321
